Screw-top caps for containers and methods of using and making same

Abstract

A screw-top cap for a bottle assembly may include a bottom portion having a bottom base with a bottom skirt depending downwardly at its outer periphery and a neck projecting upwardly from an inner periphery of the bottom base. The inner periphery forms an opening to the interior of the cap. The neck may further have a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck. A lid may be pivotally attached to the bottom portion via a hinge. The lid may have a lid base and a lid skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery of the lid base. The hinge may be raised from an upper surface of the bottom base via a riser fixedly attached thereto such that in the closed position the lid is raised to mate with the neck edge.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 362,344, filed April 1, 2022, and entitled "SCREW-TOP CAP FOR CONTAINER, AND METHOD OF USING AND MAKING SAME," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a cap or lid for a container. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a screw-top cap, comprising a flip-top lid having a first sealing member, a bottom portion having a second sealing member, and an activated polymer component. [Background technology]

[0003] For example, over-the-counter pharmaceutical containers for tablets and capsules are typically provided as glass or plastic bottles with removable caps (often with some type of child-resistant configuration). For example, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief tablets, allergy medications, and dietary supplements and vitamins are often provided in such bottles. Generally, as the ability of such containers to resist moisture penetration increases, so does the complexity, and corresponding cost, of such containers.

[0004] Typically, a flexible seal (typically constructed of foil, paper, flexible / thin plastic, cardboard, or a composite of one or more of the foregoing) provides a seal at the container opening to ensure that the contents of the bottle have not been tampered with. When a user first desires to access the contents of the container, the user can either permanently puncture the seal or at least partially remove the seal. An intact seal protects the contents of the container from the surrounding environment and provides a visual indicator to the user that the container has not been tampered with.

[0005] Depending on the nature of the contents of the container, the environment within the container may need to be controlled. For example, a desiccant or other active material may be required to control the moisture density within the container. Typically, the desiccant is provided in the form of a desiccant containing pouch or cylindrical canister that is loosely located within the body of the container along with the contents of the container. However, such a pouch or canister placed loosely within the container is messy and inconvenient as the pouch or canister may fall out of the container or sometimes block the opening of the container, prompting the user to move to remove or reposition the pouch or canister to retrieve the contents. In this way, the pouch or canister may be lost or the user may forget to place the pouch or canister back into the container after use, thereby losing the desiccant and thus reducing the shelf life of the contents of the container. Therefore, there is a need to provide a desiccant that is always present within the container without the inconvenience or loss associated with having a pouch or canister in a bottle.

[0006] Additionally, containers such as those described above are typically filled via automated processing. A tamper-evident seal, such as a foil seal, is often applied to cover the opening of the container after filling. Various methods and means are known for securing the seal, such as via adhesive or heat. The most common method of applying the seal is by induction sealing. Induction sealing is a process that relies on an electric current within a material, such as foil and / or cardboard, to generate heat. Induction sealing and other sealing means require special equipment and materials within the filling line. These types of seals tend to be necessary to maintain the shelf life of the container's contents.

[0007] Not all filling lines have induction sealing devices and foil seals are not always desirable.

[0008] Furthermore, if a foil seal is desired, once the seal is broken (upon first use), the moisture tightness of the bottle is compromised even if the cap is reinstalled on top. Conventional bottle caps do not provide a moisture tight seal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As noted above, there is a need to create an improved cap for a container. Thus, a need exists for a bottle and cap assembly that provides a desirable shelf life for the contents of the bottle without the need for a foil seal. These and other needs are addressed by the technology of the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one aspect, the disclosed technology is directed to a cap, optionally a screw-top cap, for a bottle assembly. The cap may include a bottom portion including a bottom base having a bottom skirt depending downwardly at its outer periphery and a neck projecting upwardly from an inner periphery of the bottom base, the inner periphery forming an opening to the interior of the cap. The neck may further have a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck. A lid may be pivotally attached to the bottom portion via a hinge. The lid may have a lid base and a lid skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery of the lid base. Optionally, the hinge is elevated from an upper surface of the bottom base via at least one riser fixedly attached thereto, such that the lid mates with the neck edge and runs perpendicular to the neck in the closed position.

[0011] Optionally, the hinge has a flap extending from the riser a distance substantially equal to the distance between the outer and inner peripheries of the bottom base, such that in the closed position the lid base completely covers the opening.

[0012] Optionally, the riser may include one or more walls having a height at least as high as the neck.

[0013] Optionally, the one or more walls may include a wall attached to a portion of the periphery of the bottom base.

[0014] Optionally, the one or more walls may include a pair of walls extending inwardly from a side end of one wall towards the neck a distance substantially equal to or less than the distance between the outer and inner circumferences of the bottom base such that the lid skirt fits between the pair of walls and a neck skirt of the neck in the closed position.

[0015] Optionally, the raised portion comprises a thermoset resin.

[0016] Optionally, the raised portion comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0017] Optionally, the lid skirt has a flange extending radially inwardly and mating with the neck edge in the closed position.

[0018] Optionally, the lid includes a tab at a distal end opposite the hinge.

[0019] Optionally, the lid includes a first seal member disposed on an interior surface of the lid base, the first seal member including a thermoplastic elastomer seal member disposed around an entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base, the thermoplastic elastomer seal member including an annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck edge.

[0020] In another aspect, the disclosed technology is directed to a bottle assembly. The bottle assembly can include a bottle having a bottle base and a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck having an end portion opposite and distal to the bottle base. The bottle neck can define an opening to an interior of the bottle. The bottle neck can include an exterior portion including one or more threads. A screw-top cap can be fixedly disposed over the bottle neck such that female threads of the screw-top cap can threadably engage threads of the bottle neck to removably couple the screw-top cap to the bottle, thereby forming the bottle assembly.

[0021] Optionally, the hinge has a flap extending from the riser a distance substantially equal to the distance between the outer and inner peripheries of the bottom base, such that in the closed position the lid base completely covers the opening.

[0022] Optionally, the riser includes one or more walls having a height at least as high as the neck.

[0023] Optionally, the one or more walls include a wall attached to a portion of a periphery of the bottom base.

[0024] Optionally, the one or more walls may include a pair of walls extending inwardly from a side end of one wall toward the neck a distance equal to or substantially equal to but less than the distance between the outer and inner circumferences of the bottom base, such that the lid skirt fits between the pair of walls and a neck skirt of the neck in the closed position.

[0025] Optionally, the raised portion comprises a thermoset resin.

[0026] Optionally, the raised portion comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0027] Optionally, the lid skirt has a flange extending radially inwardly and mating with the neck edge in the closed position.

[0028] Optionally, the lid includes a tab at a distal end opposite the hinge.

[0029] Optionally, the lid includes a first seal member disposed on the interior surface of the lid base. The first seal member can include a thermoplastic elastomeric seal member disposed about an entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base, the thermoplastic elastomeric seal member including an annular portion configured for sealing engagement with the neck edge.

[0030] In one aspect, the disclosed technology is directed to a cap, optionally a screw-top cap, for a bottle assembly. The cap can include a planar lid base, an annular lid skirt having a flange extending downwardly at the outer periphery of the planar lid base and extending radially inwardly, and a first seal member disposed on an inner surface of the lid base. The bottom portion can be pivotally connected to the lid by a hinge. The bottom portion may include (i) a planar bottom base including an outer annular end, an inner annular end forming an opening to the interior of the cap, and a second sealing member disposed on a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base, (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer annular end of the bottom base, the annular bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt, and (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from an inner annular end of the bottom base and a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt opposite the inner annular end of the bottom base. In the closed position, the first sealing member may be configured to sealingly engage an upper engagement surface of the neck edge, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage an upper engagement surface of a bottle edge of the bottle.

[0031] The following detailed description of the technology of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the technology of the present disclosure, there are shown in the drawings various exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The drawings are as follows: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a screw-top cap and container assembly according to any aspect of the disclosed technology. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the screw-top cap shown in FIG. 1, with the flip-top lid of the screw-top cap shown in a first or open position. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the screw top cap of FIG. 1; [Figure 3B] 3B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the screw-top cap shown in FIG. 2 taken along line AA of FIG. 3A, and an internal view of the flip-top lid of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of a portion P1 of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] 3B, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the techniques of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is an elevational view of a screw-top cap with a flip-top lid in a second or closed position according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the screw top cap of FIG. 5A taken along line BB of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a portion P2 of FIG. 5B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Although the systems, devices, and methods are described herein as examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments or drawings. On the contrary, the technology of the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein may be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0034] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the specification or claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in its permissive sense (i.e., meaning to have the possibility) rather than its mandatory sense (i.e., meaning to have to). Unless specifically stated herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are not limited to one element, but should instead be read to mean "at least one." The terminology includes the above words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0035] As used herein, "and / or" means the involvement of either or both of the items separated by such term. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" means A alone, B alone, or both A and B.

[0036] As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are either directly or indirectly connected together, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, or operate together, to the extent that a connection occurs.

[0037] As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled such that they move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

[0038] As used herein, "around" in phrases such as "disposed around [element, point or axis]" or "extending around [element, point or axis]" or "[X] degrees around [element, point or axis]" means surrounding, extending around, or measured around. When used in connection with a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" means "approximately," i.e., within an approximate range associated with the measurement, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] As used herein, "generally" means "in the usual manner" in relation to the modified term, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] As used herein, the word "integral" refers to a component that is produced as a single (optionally monolithic) piece or unit, i.e., a component that includes parts that are produced separately and then joined together as a unit is not a "integral" component or body.

[0041] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another is intended to mean that the parts exert a force on one another, either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0042] As used herein, the term "number" is intended to mean one or an integer greater than one (ie, multiple).

[0043] As used herein, the phrases "sealing engagement" or "sealing engagement" are generally intended to refer to elements that contact one another in such a way that a moisture-tight seal is formed therebetween.

[0044] Directional terms used herein, such as, for example, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear, and derivatives thereof, refer to the orientation of the elements as illustrated in the drawings and are not limited in the claims unless expressly recited herein.

[0045] Generally speaking, as used herein, the term "moisture sealed" is defined as having a moisture ingress (after 3 days) of less than 1500 μg water, in another embodiment less than 500 μg water, in a further embodiment less than 300 μg water, and in yet another embodiment less than 150 μg water, as determined by the following test method: (a) place plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve into a container and record the weight, (b) completely close the container, (c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at 80% relative humidity and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, (d) weigh the container containing the molecular sieve after 1 day, (e) weigh the container containing the molecular sieve after 4 days, and (f) calculate the moisture ingress of the container in micrograms of water by subtracting the first day sample from the fourth day sample. A preferred rate of moisture ingress into moisture sealed containers manufactured according to aspects of the disclosed concepts is in the range of about 200-300 μg water / day or less. Thus, a "moisture-tight" seal is a sealing engagement that, alone or in combination with additional sealing engagements, serves to render the container "moisture-tight" according to the above definition.

[0046] As used herein, the term "resealable" means that the lid of a container can be opened, reopened, closed, or reclosed multiple times (e.g., 10 or more times) and still retain its moisture-tight properties.

[0047] Referring now in detail to the various drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIGS. 1-3B show a cap and container, generally designated 1. The assembly 1 can include a bottle 10 and a cap 100 removably and securably attachable thereto. The bottle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is one contemplated or exemplary type of container that can be used in conjunction with the technology of the present disclosure, although other types of containers are also contemplated. Where the term "bottle" is used to describe an exemplary embodiment, the broader and more general term "container" can also be used instead. The bottle is optionally made of plastic, glass, or even metallic materials. The cap 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B and is often referred to herein as a screw-top cap, although this is one contemplated or exemplary type of cap that can be used in conjunction with the technology of the present disclosure, although other types of caps (e.g., snap or fully detachable) are also contemplated.

[0048] Bottle 10 can include a body 12 having a base 14 and one or more sidewalls 16 extending upwardly therefrom to an edge (e.g., without limitation, bottle edge 18 in FIGS. 3C, 4, and 5C) that surrounds a top opening (e.g., and without limitation, opening 20 shown in FIGS. 3B and 5B) of bottle 10. The illustrated embodiment is cylindrical and thus has a rounded, integral sidewall 16. However, containers according to the concepts of the present disclosure can be other shapes, e.g., rectangular cubes, and thus have more than a single continuous (e.g., rounded) sidewall.

[0049] Bottle 10 may include a neck (e.g., and without limitation, bottle neck 22 of FIGS. 3B, 4, and 5B) that includes one or more threads (e.g., and without limitation, threads 26 of FIGS. 3B-3C, 4, 5B-5C) to provide threaded engagement with corresponding or complementary threads of cap 100 (e.g., and without limitation, threads 146, 246, 346 of FIGS. 3B-3C, 4, 5B-5C) when cap 100 is secured to bottle 100.

[0050] The body 12 of the bottle 10 can define an interior space (not shown) configured to store therein contents (not shown), such as a plurality of pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement tablets, capsules, or powders, or solid or liquid products in the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries. The interior space of the bottle 10 can be accessed through the top opening 20 or a lid opening (for example, and without limitation, lid opening 138 in FIG. 3A).

[0051] In one optional embodiment, the screw-top cap 100 may include a flip-top lid 110 that may be moved between a first or open position (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B) and a second or closed position (see FIGS. 1 and 3C). Specifically, the cap 100 may include a bottom or base portion 130 to which the lid 110 is pivotally attached via a hinge 119. A neck or lip 150 may extend upwardly from the bottom base 134 and may be spaced radially inwardly from the outer periphery 132 of the base portion 130. An inner periphery of the neck 150 may form an opening 138 leading to the interior of the cap 100. Because the neck 150 is elevated from and / or above the top surface of the bottom base 134, at least a top portion of the hinge 119 is also elevated from and / or above the top surface of the bottom base 134 via at least one or more spaced apart raised portions 115 and / or other features so that the flip-top lid 110 is elevated to properly or conveniently mate with the elevated neck 150 and extend perpendicular to the neck 150 in the closed position.

[0052] In one optional embodiment, the riser(s) 115 are fixedly attached to a portion of the top surface of the bottom base 134. The bottom portion 130 and the flip-top lid 110 are described in more detail below. In one optional embodiment, the hinge 119 can be a living hinge. In another optional embodiment, the hinge 119 can include a pin or axis about which other portions of the hinge 119 rotate. The axis of the hinge 119 can extend perpendicular to the axis of the bottle 10 when the cap 100 is attached to the bottle 10. Optionally, a neck 150 can extend upwardly from the bottom portion 130. In one embodiment, the neck 150 is cylindrical or circular when viewed from above and is surrounded by and / or engaged with a portion of the lid 110 when the lid 110 is in the closed position.

[0053] The illustrated embodiment includes the bottle 10 and the bottom portion 130 of the cap 100 as removably attachable to one another, for example, without limitation, via a threaded engagement. However, a container according to the disclosed concepts may include the bottle 10 and the cap 100 integrated into a one-piece unit at the time of manufacture, and the assembly 1 may be opened or closed by actuating the flip-top lid 110 to access the contents of the container.

[0054] In one embodiment, cap 100 is optionally made primarily or partially from one or more injection moldable thermoplastic materials, including, for example, polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0055] While a child-resistant cap may be desirable in certain applications, it is not required in all applications. Thus, child-resistant and non-child-resistant caps are contemplated. If a child-resistant feature is provided, it optionally requires that more than a single directional force be applied to the cap to remove it from the container. For example, the cap may require that a user push the cap downward (first direction) and then rotate (second direction) to remove it from the container. Alternative child-resistant features are also contemplated, as needed.

[0056] The screw top cap 100 illustrated in Figures 2-3C is removably attachable to the bottle 10, however, for ease and completeness of description, Figures 2-3C also include the components of the bottle 10 (e.g., without limitation, the bottle rim 18, the opening 20 leading to the interior of the body of the bottle 10, and the bottle neck 22) that would be shown when the screw top cap 100 is attached to the neck of the bottle 10 via, for example, and without limitation, the threaded engagement described with respect to Figure 1.

[0057] In one optional embodiment, the flip-top lid 110 is pivotally attached to the bottom portion 130 via a hinge 119. The lid 110 includes a lid base 114 and an annular lid skirt 124 that depends downwardly around the periphery of the lid base 114. Optionally, the hinge 119 is elevated from an upper surface of the bottom base 134 via one or more fixedly attached risers 115 such that in the closed position, the lid 110 mates with a neck edge 158 and extends perpendicular to the neck 150.

[0058] Optionally, hinge 119 includes at least one flap 116 extending from riser(s) 115 a distance substantially equal to the lateral distance between the outer periphery 132 and the inner periphery 131 of bottom base 134 such that lid base 114 completely covers opening 138 when lid 110 is in the closed position. Optionally, hinge 119 and / or riser(s) 115 include one or more rear walls 117 having at least the same height as neck 150. Optionally, one or more rear walls 117 can be attached to a portion of the outer periphery 132 of bottom base 134. Optionally, one or a pair of side walls 118 extend inwardly from the lateral ends of the one or more rear walls 117 toward the neck 150 a distance substantially equal to or less than the distance between the outer periphery 132 and the inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134, and the lid skirt 124 is configured to fit between the one or a pair of walls 118 and a neck skirt 164 of the neck 150 when the lid 110 is in the closed position. Optionally, the risers 115 and one or more other portions of the hinge 119 include or are formed from a thermosetting resin. Optionally, the risers 115 and one or more other portions of the hinge 119 include or are formed from a thermoplastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. Optionally, the lid skirt 124 has a radially inwardly extending flange 126 configured to contact and / or mate with the neck edge 158 when the lid 110 is in the closed position.

[0059] Optionally, the lid 110 may include a first seal member 120. Optionally, the lid base 114 may be flat or planar and the lid skirt 124 may be cylindrical or circular. The annular lid skirt 124 may include an annular flange 126 extending radially inward. The flip-top lid 110 may further include a securing protrusion (also referred to as a thumb tab) 112 at a distal end opposite the hinge 119. The protrusion 112 may extend radially outward from the lid base 114 and / or the lid skirt 124. The thumb tab 112 may be configured to be actuated and / or engaged to place the lid 110 in an open or closed position. Optionally, the first seal member 120 is provided on an interior surface of the lid base 114. The first seal member 120 may include or be a thermoplastic elastomer seal member provided around the entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base 114. Optionally, the thermoplastic elastomer seal member 120 includes an annular portion configured for sealing engagement with the neck edge 158 .

[0060] In one optional embodiment, the bottom base 134 may have a bottom skirt 144 depending downwardly at its outer periphery 132 (see FIG. 3A ), and a neck 150 may project upwardly from an inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134 and / or bottom portion 130. The inner periphery 131 may form an opening 138 leading to the interior of the cap 100. Optionally, the neck 150 may further include a neck edge 158 extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck 150. Optionally, the neck 150 may include an annular neck skirt 164 extending upwardly from the inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134, and the neck edge 158 may extend radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt 164. Optionally, the bottom base 134 may be flat or planar. The opening 138 may have a size substantially equal to or less than the size of the lid base 114. In embodiments in which cap 100 is fixedly attached to bottle 10, opening 138 leads through top opening 20 of bottle 10 (see FIG. 3B) to the interior of bottle 10 (not shown).

[0061] The bottom skirt 144 may optionally include one or more threads extending radially inward from its interior surface. The one or more threads may be configured for sealing engagement with one or more bottle threads provided on an upper portion of the sidewall 12 of the bottle 10. Optionally, the neck skirt 164 may include a lower neck skirt 165 (see FIG. 3C ) that extends downwardly below the bottom base 134 and into the interior of the cap 100.

[0062] Optionally, the cap 100 can include no seal member, only the first seal member 120, or two or more seal members. For example, the cap 100 can include a first seal member 120 disposed on an interior surface of the lid base 114. In the closed position, the flip-top lid 110 is pivoted about the hinge 119 such that the lid 110 covers the opening 138 while the first seal member 120 sealingly engages at least a portion of the neck edge 158. Optionally, the flange 126 can engage or contact an exterior surface of the neck skirt 164 to secure the lid 110 to the neck 150 via, for example, without limitation, a friction fit, forcing the first seal member 120 against an upper engagement surface of the neck edge 158. This can create a moisture-tight seal between the lid 110 and the neck 150 of the cap 100, and thus between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, when the lid is in the closed position.

[0063] Optionally, as shown in Figures 3C and 3B, the bottom base 134 of the bottom portion 130 may also include a second seal member 140 disposed on a first portion of the interior surface (underside) of the bottom base 134. Optionally, the second seal member 140 may take the form of an annular ring or an O-ring and have a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In the closed position, the engagement between the threads 146 of the bottom skirt 144 and the corresponding threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10 securely fastens the cap 100 to the bottle 10, causing the second seal member 140 to compress at least slightly as it is pressed firmly against the upper engagement surface 19 of the edge 18 of the neck 22. This creates an additional moisture-tight seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, further improving the moisture-tightness of the environment within the assembly 1.

[0064] Optionally, the bottom base 134 may also include an active component 142, such as, but not limited to, an active polymer component, on a second portion 135 below the bottom base 134, the second portion 135 being surrounded by an inner annular end of the second seal member 140, and optionally contacting or spaced at least radially inward from the second seal member 140. Optionally, the active component 142 may surround a lower neck skirt 165. Optionally, the bottom base 134 may include a ridge 148 extending downwardly from a third portion of an inner surface of the bottom base 134 and disposed between the second seal member 140 and the active component 142. The active component 142 and the first and second seal members 120, 140 are described in further detail below.

[0065] The active component 142 can be attached or molded to the second portion 135 below the bottom base 134. The active component 142 can provide the container assembly 1 with improved capabilities in terms of, for example, and without limitation, protection against moisture ingress to pharmaceutical products contained within the bottle 10.

[0066] The active component 142 may include a base polymer with one or more active agents entrained therein, and thus may be referred to herein as an active agent entrained polymer or entrained polymer. The active agents in the active component 142 may include absorbing materials, releasing materials, and / or activating materials. Optionally, the active component 142 is a three-phase desiccant entrained polymer.

[0067] The active component 142 may be provided in different shapes, volumes, and / or configurations. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the active component 142 may be in the form of a ring concentric with the annular bottom skirt 144. The active component 142 may surround and optionally contact an outer annular end of the lower neck skirt 165 of the neck 150. In one embodiment, the active component 142 may extend into and / or be exposed to the interior space of the bottle 10 to dry the environment within the bottle 10. Optionally, the active component 142 surrounds and optionally contacts an inner annular end of the ridge 148. In this manner, the lower neck skirt 165, a portion of the lower side of the bottom base 134, and the ridge 148 optionally form a cavity, allowing the active component 142 to be molded onto the cavity.

[0068] In one embodiment, the active component 142 is a desiccant-entrained polymer that is a single component made of a single piece of material. The entrained polymer is entrained with a desiccant or another active agent and may include a base polymer (for structure), a desiccant (or other active agent), and optionally a channeling agent. These types of active polymer components, as well as methods of making and using them, are disclosed, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, 6,130,263, 6,080,350, 6,174,952, 6,124,006, and 6,221,446, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0039955. Optionally, the entrained polymer may be in the form of a loose film or may be optionally thermoformed onto a surface.

[0069] Alternatively, the desiccant may include loose desiccant beads or a sachet containing them. Although the exemplary embodiments herein reflect that the active component 142 is located on the second portion 135 of the bottom base 134 and about the lower neck skirt 165 of the neck 150, it is contemplated that the one or more active agents may be located in other positions and / or locations, such as the sidewall 16 of the body 12, or the neck 22 of the bottle 10.

[0070] In embodiments in which each active component 142 contains a desiccant, moisture absorption is desired. However, when moisture absorption is not desired, the active component 142 may contain an alternative activator. For example, in another embodiment, the active component 142 contains a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, Ketjen black, and diamond powder. In a further embodiment, the activator comprising one or more layers of the active member contains materials such as absorbing particulates, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silica, calcium oxide, and ion exchange resins. In yet another embodiment, the absorbing agent-containing layer of the active component 142 contains two or more types of absorbing agents. A suitable absorbing agent is selected to achieve the desired vapor or gas absorption (e.g., absorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other undesirable gases or vapors) for the desired end use.

[0071] The active member (which may be a desiccant, oxygen scavenger, releasing material or component, or the like, or a combination thereof) may act, interact, or react with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen). Examples of such action or interaction may include absorption, adsorption (generally, sorption), or release of the selected material. Each active member may be, for example, extruded or molded. Optionally, the active member may be formed (e.g., on a substrate) in a desired shape or pattern via an in-line melt bonding thermal bonding process.

[0072] The active component 142 may include an "active ingredient" in the substrate. The active ingredient(s) may (i) be immiscible with the substrate (e.g., polymer) and not melt when mixed and heated with the base polymer and channeling agent, i.e., have a melting point higher than the melting point for either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and / or (ii) act on, interact with, or react with the selected material. The term "active ingredient" may include, but is not limited to, materials that absorb, adsorb, or release the selected material(s). In accordance with the technology of the present disclosure, the active ingredient may be in the form of particles, such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieves or silica gel in the case of desiccants), although the technology of the present disclosure should not be considered limited to only particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging formulation may be made from a resin that functions as an activator or as a component of the activator.

[0073] As used herein, the term "substrate" is a component (preferably polymer) of an incorporated active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure to the incorporated material.

[0074] As used herein, the term "base polymer" is a polymer that optionally has a gas transmission rate that is significantly lower, lower, or substantially equal to that of the selected material. By way of example, such a transmission rate is the water vapor transmission rate in an embodiment in which the selected material is moisture and the active ingredient is a water-absorbing desiccant. The main function of the base polymer is to provide a structure for the incorporated polymer. Suitable base polymers can include thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylic ester, acrylic acid, polyurethane, and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0075] With reference to such a comparison of the moisture vapor transmission rates of the base polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least twice that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 5 times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 10 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 20 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 50 times that of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is at least 100 times that of the base polymer.

[0076] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" or "channeling agents" is defined as a material that is immiscible with a base polymer and has an affinity to transport gas phase substances at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, the channeling agent, when formed by mixing the base polymer with the channeling agent, can form channels through the entrained polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of allowing a selected material to permeate through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than through the base polymer alone.

[0077] As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnected channels" is defined as passages formed by a channeling agent that run through the base polymer and can interconnect with one another.

[0078] As used herein, the term "contaminated polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer and an active agent, and optionally a channeling agent, entrained or distributed throughout. Contaminated polymers thus include two-phase and three-phase polymers. A "mineral-filled polymer" is a type of contaminated polymer in which the active agent is in the form of a mineral, e.g., a mineral particle such as a molecular sieve or silica gel. The term "contaminated material" is used herein to mean a monolithic material that includes an active agent entrained in a substrate, which may or may not be a polymer.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "monolithic," "monolithic structure," or "monolithic composition" are defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more distinct macroscopic layers or portions. As such, "monolithic composition" does not include multilayer composites.

[0080] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout to give that structure or composition its monolithic character.

[0081] The term "selected material" as used herein is defined as a material that can act on, be acted upon by, or interact or react with the active agent and permeate through the channels of the entrapped polymer. For example, in embodiments where a desiccant is used as the active agent, the selected material can be moisture or gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments where an emissive material is used as the active agent, the selected material can be an agent that is released by the emissive material, such as moisture, a fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments where an adsorbent material is used as the active ingredient, the selected material can be a certain volatile organic compound, and the adsorbent material can be activated carbon.

[0082] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined as a monolithic composition or structure that includes three or more phases. An example of a three-phase composition according to the disclosed technology can be a mixed polymer formed from a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure can include an additional phase, such as a colorant.

[0083] The mixed polymer can be a two-phase blend (i.e., a base polymer and an active ingredient, without a channeling agent), or a three-phase blend (i.e., a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). Mixed polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955.

[0084] The entrapped material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., a polymer) to provide structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnected channels through the entrapped polymer. At least a portion of the active component is contained within the channels such that these channels communicate between the active component and the outside of the entrapped polymer through the microscopic channel openings formed on the outer surface of the entrapped polymer. The active component can be, for example, any one of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing, or releasing materials, as described in more detail below. Although a channeling component is preferred, the technology of the present disclosure broadly includes entrapped materials, such as two-phase polymers, that optionally do not include a channeling agent.

[0085] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include polyglycols such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamines, polyurethanes, and polycarboxylic acids including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent may be a water insoluble polymer such as propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 240 from CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent may be propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 20 from CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol D01 / 240 from CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0086] Suitable active ingredients according to the technology of the present disclosure include absorbent materials such as desiccant compounds. When the active agent is a desiccant, any desiccant suitable for a given application can be used. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These can include molecular sieves, silica gel, clay, and starch. Alternatively, the desiccant can be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water, or a compound that reacts with water to form a new compound.

[0087] Optionally, in any embodiment, the activator can be an oxygen scavenger, such as an oxygen scavenging resin formulation.

[0088] 2 and 3A-3C, to provide a moisture-tight seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, the cap 100 may include a first seal member 120 and / or a second seal member to provide a moisture-tight environment within the container 1. The first seal member 120 and the second seal member 140 may be made from any other material that can provide the desired functionality, such as an elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or any material that can be repeatedly compressed without sacrificing its integrity.

[0089] As used herein, the TPE may optionally have a Shore A hardness of 20-50, preferably 20-40, more preferably 20-35. The TPE may be a material that is preferably extrudable, soft, resilient, and suitable for creating a compression seal against harder (e.g., and without limitation, thermoplastic) surfaces of the cap 100 and / or bottle 10. In any embodiment, the TPE should be configured for repeated use, i.e., one that does not degrade over multiple cycles of opening and closing (e.g., at least 10, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 50 cycles). By incorporating a TPE to create an elastomeric thermoplastic seal (such as, without limitation, the seal between the first seal member 120 and the top mating surface of the neck rim 158, or the seal between the second seal member 140 and the top mating surface 19 of the bottle rim 18), the assembly 1 has a further reduced moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) due to the TPE seals 120, 140 and therefore requires less moisture protection, if necessary, via any drying method, to obtain a target shelf life. Additionally, the assembly 1 including both the first seal member 120 and the second seal member 140 provides a lower MVTR than a container including only one of these TPE seals 120, 140.

[0090] 2-3C, the first seal member 120 is optionally a compressible seal attached to or integral with at least a portion of the underside of the lid base 114. The first seal member 120 may include an annular portion 121 and a linear portion 122 extending across the annular portion 121. The annular portion 121 may be located on an interior surface or underside of the lid base 114 of the flip-top lid 110. The annular portion 121 engages an edge 158 of the neck 150 of the cap 100 to form a seal, such as a moisture-tight seal. The linear portion 22 may extend across the lid 110 and below the geometric center of the lid 110. When the lid 110 is secured to the neck 150 of the cap 100 to close the opening 138, the first seal member 120 engages the neck edge 158. At the same time, the flange 126 of the lid skirt 124 engages the exterior surface of the neck skirt 164, securing the lid 110 to the neck 150 and / or forcing the first seal member 120 against the upper engagement surface of the neck edge 158. This provides a moisture-tight seal between the lid 110 and the neck 150, and thus between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, in the closed position.

[0091] In one optional embodiment, the second seal member 140 is a compressible seal attached to or integral with at least a portion of the underside of the bottom base 134. Optionally, the second seal member 140 may be in the shape of a ring that surrounds and optionally contacts an outer annular edge of the activated polymer component 142. When the cap 100 is secured to the bottle 10 to cover the opening 20 of the bottle 10, the second seal member 140 contacts the upper engagement surface 19 of the rim 18 of the bottle 10. That is, the cap 100 is secured to the bottle 10 by the engagement of the threads 146 of the cap 100 with the threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10, and / or the second seal member 140 is compressed as the second seal member 140 is pressed firmly against the upper engagement surface 19 of the bottom rim 18.

[0092] In this manner, the first seal member 120 or the second seal member 140 alone can provide a moisture-tight seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, providing a lower MVTR than a container without these TPE seals 120, 140. When both the first seal member 120 and the second seal member 140 are present in the cap 100, these seals ensure a moisture-tight seal, thus further reducing the MVTR and thus extending and reaching the optimal target shelf life of the bottle's contents.

[0093] The technology of the present disclosure simplifies the manufacturing process compared to the prior art. According to the technology of the present disclosure, the cap 100 can be made in various ways. One optional method of forming or making the cap 100 includes injection molding. More specifically, the method of forming or making the cap 100 includes multi-shot injection molding. For example, the cap 100 can be made in a two-shot injection molding process if no active components are included, or in a three-shot injection molding process if active components are included.

[0094] Optionally, in a three-shot manufacturing process, the first shot in the mold is the active component 142 (e.g., a desiccant-entrained polymer with a channeling agent). The second shot in the mold is one or both of the compressible seals 120, 140 (e.g., TPE). The third shot is the remainder of the cap (e.g., using a polyolefin material). Three-shot injection molding processes are described, for example, in International Publication No. WO2021 / 076874, and other relevant techniques are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0008771, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0095] In at least one embodiment, the disclosed concepts create an improved seal compared to prior art containers, eliminating the need for a foil seal or other type of heat sealing material over the opening for storage. First and second sealing members 120, 140 are configured to provide sufficient and / or improved closure integrity over the shelf life of the contents of bottle 10 such that a foil seal or the like is not required.

[0096] Optionally, the cap 100 can be provided with a tamper-evident feature. For example, an integral polymer tamper-evident ring, such as typically found on water bottles, can be provided. During production, optionally, the above process is performed and after the cap 100 is removed from the mold, the molded tamper-evident ring can be placed directly on the cap by an automated process (such as, without limitation, a robot). Alternatively, a shrink seal can be provided on or around the cap 100. In embodiments including a removably attachable screw-top cap 100, the tamper-evident feature can be integrated at the bottom end of the bottom skirt 144, which is opposite the perimeter 132 of the bottom base 134. In embodiments including a screw-top cap 100 that is fixedly attached to the bottle 10, a shrink seal can be used.

[0097] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the screw cap 200 of the disclosed technology. The screw top cap 200 is substantially similar to the screw top cap 100 of FIGS. 2-3C above. As such, similar or identical features between the two embodiments are distinguished in FIG. 4 by reference numbers that are 100 magnitudes larger than those in FIGS. 2-3C. For the sake of brevity and convenience only, certain differences between the two embodiments are discussed herein, which is not intended to limit or imply that certain features or components are not present in this embodiment.

[0098] The screw-top cap 200 of Figure 4 differs from the screw-top cap 100 of Figures 2-3C in that the screw-top cap 200 does not include the active component 142 of the screw-top cap 100. However, the effect of the absence of the active component 142 on the contents of the container is minimized, as having one or both of the first and second seal members 120, 140 reduces the MVTR over a container without such a TPE seal. Thus, even without the active component 142, the container 1 may provide a target shelf life with only one or both of the first and second seal members 120, 140.

[0099] 5A-5C show another embodiment of the screw cap 300 of the disclosed technology. The screw top cap 300 is substantially similar to the screw top cap 100 of FIGS. 2-3C above. As such, similar or identical features between the two embodiments are distinguished in FIGS. 5A-5C by reference numbers that are 200 magnitudes larger than those in FIGS. 2-3C. For the sake of brevity and convenience only, certain differences between the two embodiments are discussed herein, which is not intended to limit or imply that certain features or components are not present in this embodiment.

[0100] 5A-5C differs from the screw-top cap 100 of FIGS. 2-3C in that while the cap 300 includes an active component 342, the screw-top cap 300 does not include one or both of the first and second seal members 120, 140. As such, the screw-top cap 300 provides a seal created by threaded engagement between one or more threads 346 on an interior surface of the bottom skirt 344 and one or more threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10, in addition to the engagement between the flange 326 of the lid skirt 324 and the exterior surface of the neck skirt 364. However, with the active component 342 embedded within the cap 300 (specifically, the bottom base 334 of the cap 300), the assembly 300 is able to provide a degree of dryness to the environment of the assembly 300, for example, in the closed position, thereby increasing the shelf life of the contents of the bottle 10.

[0101] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the disclosed technology and are part of the detailed description. These exemplary embodiments are not strictly claims of the present application, but are presented in a form substantially similar to claims (each having a numeric designation followed by a letter). The following exemplary embodiments are referenced to each other in a dependent relationship as "embodiments" instead of "claims."

[0102] 1A. A screw top cap for a bottle assembly, comprising: a bottom portion including a bottom base having a downwardly depending bottom skirt at its outer periphery and a neck projecting upwardly from an inner periphery of said bottom base, said inner periphery defining an opening to an interior of said cap, said neck further having a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of said neck; a lid pivotally attached to said bottom portion via a hinge, the lid having a lid base and a downwardly depending lid skirt at a periphery of the lid base; and an active component disposed on, or at a portion of, an interior surface of the bottom base.

[0103] 2A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1A, wherein the neck has a lower annular neck skirt depending downwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base, and the active component surrounds the lower annular neck skirt.

[0104] 3A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1A, wherein the active ingredient comprises or is a desiccant.

[0105] 4A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1A, wherein the lid includes a first seal member disposed on an interior surface of the lid base, the first seal member including a thermoplastic elastomer seal member disposed around an entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base, the thermoplastic elastomer seal member including an annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck edge.

[0106] 5A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 4A, wherein the lid includes a second sealing member disposed on a first portion of an interior surface of the bottom base.

[0107] 6A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 5A, wherein in a closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck edge and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle edge of the bottle.

[0108] 7A. The screw-top cap of embodiment 5A, wherein the second sealing member is configured to surround the active component.

[0109] 8A. The screw top cap of any one of embodiments 1A-7A, wherein the bottom base includes a ridge extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and disposed between the second sealing member and the active component.

[0110] 1B. A screw top cap for a bottle assembly, comprising: a lid including a planar lid base, a downwardly extending annular lid skirt around an outer periphery of the planar lid base, and a first seal member disposed on an inner surface of the lid base; a bottom portion pivotally connected to the lid by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising: (i) a planar base including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening to the interior of the cap, and a second seal member disposed on a first portion of an interior surface of the base; (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly about the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt; A screw-top cap, wherein in a closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck edge, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the bottle edge of the bottle.

[0111] 2B. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1B, wherein the first seal member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer seal member disposed around the entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base, the thermoplastic elastomer seal member including an annular portion configured for sealing engagement with the neck edge.

[0112] 3B. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1B, wherein the lid skirt includes a flange extending radially inward and configured to contact an exterior surface of the neck skirt.

[0113] 4B. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1B, wherein the flange of the lid skirt engages an exterior surface of the neck skirt to secure the lid to the neck and the first seal member is forced against an upper engagement surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the compression of the first seal member creating a moisture-tight seal between the lid and the neck.

[0114] 1C. A bottle assembly comprising: a bottle having a bottle base and a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck having an end portion disposed opposite and distal to the bottle base, the bottle neck defining an opening to an interior of the bottle, the bottle neck having an exterior portion including one or more threads; and a screw-top bottle cap according to any of the preceding embodiments, fixedly positioned over the bottle neck such that the internal threads of the skirt threadingly engage with the threads on the bottle neck to couple the screw-top cap to the bottle, thereby forming the bottle assembly.

[0115] 2C. The bottle assembly of embodiment 1C, further comprising an activated polymer component disposed on the interior surface of the lid base.

[0116] 3C. The bottle assembly of embodiment 1C, wherein the first seal member is a thermoplastic elastomer seal member disposed around the entire circumference of the interior surface of the lid base and includes an annular portion and a linear portion spanning the annular portion, the annular portion being configured to sealingly engage the neck edge.

[0117] 4C. The bottle assembly of embodiment 1C, wherein threaded engagement between the threads secures the cap to the bottle and causes the second sealing member to press against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and pressing of the second sealing member creating a moisture-tight seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0118] 1D. A screw-top cap configured to be removably attachable to a bottle, comprising: a lid including a planar lid base, an annular lid skirt extending downwardly about an outer periphery of the planar lid base, the annular lid skirt having a radially inwardly extending flange, and a first seal member disposed on an interior surface of the lid base; a bottom portion pivotally connected to the lid by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising: (i) a planar base including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening to the interior of the cap, and a second seal member disposed on a first portion of an interior surface of the base; (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly about the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt; A screw-top cap, wherein in a closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck edge, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle edge of the bottle.

[0119] 2D. The screw top cap of embodiment 1D, further comprising an active component disposed on a second portion of the interior surface of the bottom base and configured to surround the second seal member.

[0120] 3D. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1D or 2D, further comprising a ridge extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and disposed between the active polymer component and a second seal member, the ridge, the active component, and the second seal member being disposed inside and concentric with the bottom skirt of the bottom portion.

[0121] 4D. The screw-top cap of any one of embodiments 1D-3D, wherein the neck skirt includes an annular internal neck skirt extending downwardly into the interior of the cap, the internal neck skirt, the second portion of the internal surface of the bottom base, and the ridges forming a cavity and enabling the activated polymer component to be molded over the cavity.

[0122] 5D. The screw-top cap of any one of embodiments 1D-4D, wherein the first seal member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer seal member disposed about the entire periphery of the interior surface of the lid base.

[0123] 6D. The screw-top cap of embodiment 5D, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member includes an annular portion and a linear portion spanning the annular portion, the annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck edge.

[0124] 7D. The screw-top cap of embodiment 6D, wherein the flange of the lid skirt is configured to engage an exterior surface of the neck skirt to secure the lid to the neck and the first seal member is configured to press against the upper engagement surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the pressing of the first seal member creating a moisture-tight seal between the lid and the neck.

[0125] 8D. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1D, wherein the second sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member.

[0126] 9D. The screw-top cap of any one of embodiments 1D-8D, wherein the one or more threads are configured to sealingly engage one or more bottle threads on an upper portion of the bottle sidewall, the threaded engagement between the threads securing the cap to the bottle and forcing the second seal member against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and forcing of the second seal member creating a moisture-tight seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0127] 10D. The screw-top cap of any one of embodiments 1D-9D, wherein the bottom skirt includes a tamper-evident feature attached to and configured to be separable from the bottom skirt.

[0128] 11D. The screw-top cap of any one of embodiments 1D-10D, further including a thumb tab extending radially outward from the lid, the thumb tab configured to be actuated upwardly to place the lid in an open position.

[0129] 1E. A screw-top cap configured to be removably attachable to a bottle, comprising: a lid including a planar lid base and an annular lid skirt extending downwardly about an outer periphery of the planar lid base, the annular lid skirt having a radially inwardly extending flange; a bottom portion pivotally connected to the lid by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising: (i) a planar base including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening to the interior of the cap, and an active component disposed on a first portion of an interior surface of the base; (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly about the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt; A screw-top cap, wherein the one or more threads are configured to sealingly engage one or more bottle threads provided on an upper portion of a bottleneck of the bottle, the threaded engagement between the threads securing the cap to the bottle.

[0130] 2E. The screw top cap of embodiment 1E, further comprising a first seal member disposed on an interior surface of the lid base around the entire periphery of the lid base.

[0131] 3E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1E or 2E, further comprising a second sealing member disposed on a second portion of the interior surface around the entire periphery of the bottom base.

[0132] 4E. The screw top cap of embodiment 3E, further comprising a ridge extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and surrounding an inner annular end of the second seal member and an outer annular end of the active component, the second seal member, the ridge, and the active component being disposed within and concentric with the bottom skirt.

[0133] 5E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 4E, wherein the neck skirt includes an annular internal neck skirt extending downwardly into the interior of the cap, the internal neck skirt, the first portion of the internal surface of the bottom base, and the ridges forming a cavity and enabling the activated polymer component to be molded over the cavity.

[0134] 6E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 2E, wherein the first seal member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer seal member having an annular portion and a linear portion spanning the annular portion, the annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck edge.

[0135] 7E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 6E, wherein the flange of the lid skirt is configured to engage an exterior surface of the neck skirt to secure the lid to the neck and the first seal member is configured to press against the upper engagement surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the pressing of the first seal member creating a moisture-tight seal between the lid and the neck.

[0136] 8E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 7E, wherein the second seal member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer seal member configured to engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0137] 9E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 8E, wherein the threaded engagement between the threads causes the second sealing member to press against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, and the threaded engagement and the pressing of the second sealing member create a moisture-tight seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0138] 10E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1E, wherein the cap includes a tamper evident feature configured to be attached to and separable from the bottom skirt.

[0139] 11E. The screw-top cap of embodiment 1E, further comprising a thumb tab extending radially from the lid, the thumb tab being configured to be actuated upwardly to place the lid in an open position.

[0140] 1F. A bottle assembly comprising: a bottle having a bottle base and a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck having an end portion disposed opposite and distal to the bottle base, the bottle neck defining an opening to an interior of the bottle, the bottle neck having an exterior portion including one or more threads; a screw top configured to be removably attachable to a bottle, said screw top cap comprising: (a) a lid including a planar lid base, a downwardly extending annular lid skirt about an outer periphery of the planar lid base, the annular lid skirt having a radially inwardly extending flange, and a first seal member disposed on an interior surface of the lid base; (b) a bottom portion pivotally connected to the lid by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising: (i) a planar bottom base including an outer periphery and an inner periphery forming an opening to the interior of the cap, an active component disposed on a first portion of an interior surface of the bottom base, and a second sealing member; (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly about an outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck edge extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt; A bottle assembly, wherein in a closed position, the first seal member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck edge, and the second seal member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle edge of the bottle.

[0141] 2F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 1F, wherein the screw top cap further includes a ridge extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base, the ridge surrounding an inner annular end of the second seal member and an outer annular end of the active component, the second seal member, the ridge, and the active component being disposed within and concentric with the bottom skirt.

[0142] 3F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 2F, wherein the first and second seal members each comprise a thermoplastic elastomer seal member.

[0143] 4F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 3F, wherein the flange of the lid skirt is configured to engage an exterior surface of the neck skirt to secure the lid to the neck and the first seal member is configured to press against the upper engagement surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the pressing of the first seal member creating a moisture-tight seal between the lid and the neck.

[0144] 5F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 4F, wherein the threaded engagement between the threads causes the second seal member to press against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, and the threaded engagement and the pressing of the second seal member create a moisture-tight seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0145] 6F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 5F, wherein the screw top cap includes a tamper evident feature configured to be attached to and separable from the bottom skirt.

[0146] 7F. The bottle assembly of embodiment 6F, wherein the screw-top cap further includes a thumb tab extending radially from the lid, the thumb tab being configured to be actuated upwardly to place the lid in an open position.

[0147] Although the technology of the present disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is therefore understood that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to encompass modifications within the spirit and scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A screw-top cap (100) for a bottle assembly (1), A bottom portion (130) comprising a bottom base (134) having a bottom skirt (144) hanging downward from its outer circumference (132), and a neck (150) projecting upward from the bottom base (134) and radially inward from the outer circumference (132), wherein the neck (150) defines an opening (138) leading to the interior of the cap (100), and the neck (150) further has a neck edge (158), A screw top cap (100) comprising: a lid (110) pivotably attached to the bottom portion (130) via a hinge (119), the lid (110) pivotably moving between an open position and a closed position, having a lid base (114) and a lid skirt (124) hanging downward from its outer circumference, the hinge (119) extending upward from the upper surface of the bottom base (134) via at least one rising portion (115), and configured such that in the closed position the lid (110) contacts or fits with the neck edge (158) and extends perpendicularly to the neck (150).

2. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1, wherein the hinge (119) includes at least one flap (116) extending from the rising portion (115).

3. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge (119) comprises one or more walls having at least the same height as the neck (150).

4. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 3, wherein the one or more walls include at least one end wall (117) attached to a portion of the outer circumference (132) of the bottom base (134).

5. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 4, wherein one or more walls comprises a pair of side walls (118) extending inward from the side end of the end wall (117) toward the neck (150), and when the lid (110) is in the closed position, at least a portion of the lid skirt (124) fits between the pair of side walls (118) and the neck skirt (164) of the neck (150).

6. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rising portion (115) includes or is formed from a thermosetting resin or thermoplastic material.

7. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid skirt (124) has a flange (126) that extends radially inward, and is configured to contact or engage with the neck edge (158) when the lid (110) is in the closed position.

8. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid (110) includes a tab (112) on the opposite side of the hinge (119).

9. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid (110) includes a first sealing member (120) provided on the inner surface of the lid base (114), the first sealing member (120) includes a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member provided around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the lid base (114), and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member (120) includes an annular portion configured to seally engage with the neck edge (158).

10. The screw top cap (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a neck skirt (165) extends downward from the bottom base (134) and is radially spaced inward from the bottom skirt (144), and an active material (142) surrounds the neck skirt (165), and the active material contains a desiccant.

11. The screw top cap (110) according to claim 10, wherein the neck skirt (165), a portion of the lower part of the bottom base (134), and ridges (148) extending downward from the base portion (134) and radially spaced apart from the neck skirt (165) form a cavity for receiving the active material (142).

12. Bottle assembly (1), A bottle (10) having a bottle base (14) and a side wall (16) extending upward from the bottle base (14) and terminating at a bottle neck (22), wherein the bottle neck (22) defines an opening (20) leading to the interior of the bottle (10), and the bottle neck (22) has an outer portion including one or more screw threads (26), A screw top cap (100) is provided detachably on the bottle neck (22), wherein the female threads of the screw top cap (100) engage with the threads (26) on the bottle neck (22) by threading, thereby connecting the screw top cap (100) to the bottle (10) and thereby forming the bottle assembly (1), and the screw top cap (110) is provided, A bottom portion (130) comprising a bottom base (134) having a bottom skirt (144) hanging downward from its outer circumference (132), and a neck (150) projecting upward from the bottom base (134) and radially inward from the outer circumference (132), wherein the neck (150) defines an opening (138) leading to the interior of the cap (100), and the neck (150) further comprises a neck edge (158), A lid (110) pivotably attached to the bottom portion (130) via a hinge (119), the lid (110) pivotably moving between an open position and a closed position, having a lid base (114) and a lid skirt (124) hanging downward from its outer circumference, the hinge (119) extending upward from the upper surface of the bottom base (134) via at least one rising portion (115), and the lid (110) being configured to contact or engage with the neck edge (158) in the closed position and to extend perpendicularly to the neck (150), comprising: Bottle assembly (1).

13. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the hinge (119) has a flap (116) extending from the rising portion (115).

14. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the hinge (119) comprises one or more walls having at least the same height as the neck (150).

15. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the one or more walls include at least one end wall (117) attached to a portion of the outer circumference (132) of the bottom base (134).

16. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein one or more walls comprises a pair of side walls (118) extending inward from the side end of the end wall (117) toward the neck (150), and when the lid (110) is in the closed position, at least a portion of the lid skirt (124) fits between the pair of side walls (118) and the neck skirt (164) of the neck (150).

17. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the rising portion (115) includes or is formed from a thermosetting resin or thermoplastic material.

18. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lid skirt (124) has a flange (126) that extends radially inward and is configured to contact or engage with the neck edge (158) when the lid (110) is in the closed position.

19. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lid (110) includes a tab (112) on the opposite side of the hinge (119).

20. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a neck skirt (165) extends downward from the bottom base (134) and is radially spaced inward from the bottom skirt (144), and an active material surrounds the neck skirt (165), and the active material includes a desiccant.

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